So I got my starter in Pikachu and won my first bout with my rival Gary. Being in an Era where Electric isn't allowed I sped through the first part of the game and even battled Gary a 2nd time to ensure Jolteon later on(just wouldn't be the same without it). Once I got 5 Pokeballs from Professor Oak, I made my way to Viridian Forest where I caught my first true team member in....


Aelita level 5

Bug types might not be allowed but its final form is what I'm after and I train religiously before it evolves into Metapod and finally...


After learning Confusion upon evolution, I box my starter and breeze through Viridian Forest. After healing, I make my way to Pewter Gym.

Cue Music! Music


Brock

vs.


Columbus *Age of Discovery eh?*

Brock sends out...

Geodude level 10

Columbus sends out...

Aelita level 12

I rip through Geodude with Confusion and after taking a Tackle attack, I defeat Geodude in round 2.

Brock's Ace....

Onix level 12

Same deal as last time where I rip through with Confusion. Brock opens with Bide so I take the next few turns using Harden to raise my Defense before the Bide attack fails(due to no damage inflicted). I then finish off Onix with Confusion and I claim the Boulderbadge.

On my way to Cerulean, I battle more trainers and catch my second team member...

MarcoPolo level 8

I backtrack to train Marco in Viridian Forest before proceeding through Mount Moon. I eventually reach Cerulean City wherein I battle my rival Gary(Marco is MVP with Slash and Sand Attack) and I catch my third team member in...

Newton level 12

I trained Newton to level 20, thereby learning Wrap and Sleep Powder. Sleep Powder alone will make the battle with Misty a cakewalk.


Misty

vs.


Columbus

Misty sends out...

Staryu level 18

Columbus sends out...

Newton level 20

Despite having a higher level, Staryu's speed is quite impressive. It opens with a Tackle that does average damage. I respond with Sleep Powder that puts it to sleep. I then work on raising my special stat via its Growth move and manage to raise it to max before Staryu wakes up. It hits me with another Tackle that drops me further but I knock it out with an enhanced Vine Whip.

Misty's Ace...

Starmie level 21

Incredible speed for a Pokemon so early in the game but I get lucky that Misty opts to forego using Bubblebeam. Instead she uses Harden to raise its Defense that does nothing to stop me from OHKO it with Vine Whip. With its fall, I have the Cascade Badge.

I make my way back to Bill's House, claim the SS.Ticket and arrive in Vermilion City. Team is as follows:


Aelita level 22
Tackle
Stun Spore
Sleep Powder
Confusion


MarcoPolo level 22
Slash
Sand Attack
Scratch
Dig


Newton level 21
Wrap
Growth
Sleep Powder
Vine Whip

Unlike my last challenge where I skipped Erika, I opted to go in order. Newton and MarcoPolo gained exceptional experience battling on SS.Anne while my Aelita stood on the sidelines knowing her true value would come later on in the journey. Rival battle went smoothly with MarcoPolo more than rising to the occasion as my team's current Ace. After healing at the Pokemon Center, I taught Cut to Newton(replacing Wrap) and battled the three Trainers to give MarcoPolo a warmup. Finally it was time for Lt.Surge. Cue Music! Music


Lt.Surge

vs.


Columbus

Lt.Surge sends out...

Raichu level 28

Columbus sends out...

MarcoPolo level 27

Unlike in my last challenge, I waste no time with this one by opting to go with what works best. Raichu has the speed advantage and could deliver a solid physical punch with Mega Punch or Mega Kick. His other moves are Thunderbolt, which is completely useless and Growl. I expected a Mega Punch but what do I get round 1? Growl.... I facepalmed so hard when MarcoPolo dug a hole I literally wanted to find a meme for this moment. Round 2 he tries using Thunderbolt(which wouldn't have worked even if I was topside) and I come up to connect with Dig to OHKO to claim the Thunder Badge.

The rest of my planned team isn't available until Celadon City so I have to brave Rock Tunnel with my current roster. I presently only have 6 Pokemon species caught so I can't go and claim the Flash HM(not like its absolutely mandatory). I grind to level 30 knowing that the road ahead is long and arduous. Although Vine Whip and Dig have 10 PP respectively, I forget how invaluable Aelita's Confusion can be for Rock Type Pokemon(and the fact it has 25 PP). After battling the Trainers on Route 9&10, I heal at the Pokemon Center before making my way into the dark cave that is Rock Tunnel. All three of my team members share in the responsibility of fighting the ever mounting obstacles but eventually I come out on the other side victorious. After healing at Lavendar Town I make my way over to Celadon City to pick up my next two Team Members...


Stooges level 22

and


Serena level 18

Stooges is after the Three Stooges(for its next form) while Serena... honestly I can't think of a better name than Serena for a Vulpix. It just fits and I'd likely lose my mind if the Anime character Serena were to catch one. Final member of my team won't come until the very tail end of update#3. After backtracking to Cerulean for some training(can do so with Saffron now unlocked), I opt to do Rocket Game Corner first. After wiping the floor with everyone and claiming the Silph Scope, I walk over to Celadon Gym and battle every Trainer I could encounter to maximize my Experience. I healed up and then squared off with Erika.


Erika

vs.


Columbus

Erika sends out...

Tangela level 30

Columbus sends out...

Serena level 31

On non-challenge runs, I typically like facing her with a Fire Pokemon that knows Flamethrower but I have to challenge myself a bit. As a backup, I have Stooges waiting in the wings with Drill Peck. On the opening round, I have the speed advantage so I open with Ember and it takes a huge chunk of HP from Tangela. Erika responds by having it use Bind and I get locked down for three turns. I then use Ember again and manage to KO it.

Erika's 2nd Pokemon...

Weepinbell level 32

Weepinbell can be nasty thanks to Acid, two status moves(Stun Spore/Sleep Powder) and its signature Razor Leaf. Fortunately Vulpix has the speed edge so I open with Confuse Ray and it manages to cause damage via Confusion. I then follow it up with Ember but then she hits me with a Stun Spore, Paralyzing my Serena. It now holds the speed edge but I opt to stick it out due to wanting to finish it off. It opens the next round with Acid and I take a good chunk of damage because Vulpix's defense isn't very good. To make matters worse, my Defense also drops. By a stroke of good luck though, Paralysis doesn't stop my from using Ember and I knock out her Weepinbell.

Erika's Ace...

Gloom level 32

With Serena in poor shape, I open the final battle by swapping to Stooges. I take a nasty Pedal Dance but thanks to Stooges typing, it doesn't knock me out. Due to Stooges speed, I have the advantage going forward and unleash a wicked Drill Peck that nearly knocks her Gloom out. Her response is another Petal Dance attack that just barely misses knocking me out(I had 3 HP left lol). I open the final round with Drill Peck and finish her Gloom off to claim the Rainbow Badge.

Current Team Update:


Aelita level 34
Psybeam
Double Team
Sleep Powder
Confusion


MarcoPolo level 34
Slash
Sand Attack
Dig
Swift


Newton level 34
Cut
Razor Leaf
Growth
Sleep Powder


Serena level 31
Quick Attack
Confuse Ray
Ember
Tail Whip


Stooges level 31
Peck
Fly
Drill Peck
Fury Attack

After backtracking to Pokemon Tower(where Aelita's Psybeam and Confusion attacks really shined) to claim the PokeFlute, I battled my way to Fuchsia City(including a couple wild Snorlax that are always an annoyance). Grinded in my favorite training spot on Cycling Road so that I could evolve Stooges and teach it a couple new moves in Double Team and Swift(which I got for free). I thought about teaching it Tri Attack(its signature move) but opted for Swift seeing as it virtually never misses. Anyways, time for Koga, cue Music! Music


Koga

vs.


Columbus

Koga sends out...

Venonat level 44

Columbus sends out...

Serena level 47

I realize I got a bit of a level advantage but... I'm still in my native Vulpix form as I can't bring up the courage to evolve her into a Ninetales(at least for now). Regardless, this first matchup was no contest. Serena used Flamethrower! It was Super Effective! Venonat fainted!

Up next....

Venonat level 46

Same deal as before lol. Serena used Flamethrower! Critical Hit! It was Super Effective! Venonat fainted!

Next in line....

Venonat level 48

Although Venonat has the level advantage, I still have the speed advantage. Serena used Flamethrower! Critical Hit! It was Super Effective! Venonat Fainted! Two Crit's in a row is pure luck but the real fight has yet to begin.

Koga's Ace...

Venomoth level 50

Not only do I not have the level advantage but I don't have the speed advantage. Fortunately I have MarcoPolo and Stooges as back up both knowing Swift in the event his Venomoth goes wild on Double Team. Koga opens with Toxic so Serena gets badly poisoned. I counter-attack with another Flamethrower that brings his Venomoth down to about 33%. He then uses Psychic the next round and knocks out Serena with a Critical Hit after the Poison weakened her a bit. I then send out Stooges and manage to finish him off with a Drill Peck due to the fact I had the speed edge. With Soulbadge in hand, I make my way to Saffron and Silph.

After clearing it out and battling my rival once more, I got my final Team member in...


Magellan level 15

I made my way to Saffron Gym where Newton shredded the Slowpokes/Slowbro's with Razor Leaf and Aelita battled the Ghost Pokemon with Psychic. After healing everyone up and planning my Gym strategy, I challenged Sabrina.


Sabrina

vs.


Columbus

Sabrina sends out...

Abra level 50

Columbus sends out...

Stooges level 49

Stooges gets the nod with the aim of raising my Evasion with Double Team. I have a few X-Accuracy in my backpack after selling non-essential items to barter for them to prepare for its Flash but I do have Swift just in case. I open with a max Evasion strategy and get hit with 4 Flash Attacks(three of which successfully land). I spend the next three turns repairing the Accuracy damage while I fortunately don't suffer any further reduction thanks to two Teleports and one failed Flash. I then use Fly and knock out Abra in one hit.

Up next....

Kadabra level 50

Evasion being maxed in this game makes battles such a cakewalk. Kadabra's first attack misses while my Drill Peck scores a critical hit for a OHKO.

Sabrina's Ace...

Alakazam level 50

Sabrina opens with Reflect so my Drill Peck wasn't able to knock it out in one hit. She then uses Recover and I opt to use Fly. Her next move was Psychic, which misses and I land a brutal blow that manages to knock it out. Marshbadge is mine!

I then go and grind the living hell out of Magellan before heading to Fuchsia and the eventual Sea Journey to Cinnabar Island.

Current Team:


Magellan level 50
Body Slam
Ice Beam
Surf
Strength


Stooges level 50
Drill Peck
Fly
Double Team
Swift


Aelita level 50
Psybeam
Double Team
Sleep Powder
Psychic


MarcoPolo level 50
Slash
Sand Attack
Dig
Swift


Newton level 50
Cut
Razor Leaf
Growth
Sleep Powder


Serena level 50
Quick Attack
Confuse Ray
Flamethrower
Fire Spin

Haven't gotten the urge to evolve her just yet. Also haven't decided if I'm going to do Double Team on her or not.

So I've been slacking since my last update so I decided to do EVERYTHING in one fell swoop. Rummaged through the Cinnabar Mansion to claim the key to Blaine's Gym where Magellan was ready to throttle him hard after disposing of the annoying apprentice trainers prior to him for valuable Experience. Cue Music!! Music


Blaine

vs.


Columbus

Blaine sends out...

Ninetales level 48

Columbus sends out...

Magellan level 52

Although I have the level advantage, Blaine's Pokemon have the speed edge so I'm going to have to withstand whatever they throw my way. However, I'm likely going to OHKO all but his Arcanine using Surf(although we shall see with the last one). Anyways, Blaine opens with a Quick Attack that does relatively minor damage while I respond with a Surf attack that OHKO's Ninetales(poor Ninetales.... just love that Pokemon).

Up next....

Rapidash level 50

Blaine opens with Take Down that fortunately misses. I counter with Surf for another OHKO.

Blaine's Ace...

Arcanine level 54

Blaine opens the round with Reflect, halving all Physical Damage without realizing that I won't be using Physical moves to take him down. I open with another Surf that is a critical hit for a OHKO. Volcano badge is now mine! I make my way to Viridian Gym, quickly disposing of the apprentice trainers before healing and deciding who gets the honor of taking down Giovanni. After making my decision, it was time to claim the final badge.


Giovanni

vs.


Columbus

Giovanni sends out...

Dugtrio level 50

Columbus sends out...

Aelita level 51

I typically like facing Giovanni with a Flying Type Pokemon due to the fact it removes ALL his powerful Ground Type moves from the table. I mean sure I have Thunder and Rock Slide to worry about but Aelita knows Double Team and as we all know, Double Team makes those moves virtually worthless. Even moves like Thrash and Slash aren't as scary. The only Pokemon of Giovanni's I may have an issue with is his Persian due to knowing the very same move: Double Team. Anyways, with Giovanni's Pokemon being relatively weak to Special attacks(two of which are very vulnerable to Psychic), this should go relatively easy. I do have a few X-Accuracy in my backpack from the Sabrina battle to be on the safe side. Anyways, I open with Double Team x 6. Giovanni has the speed edge and opens with Earthquake, Dig, Fissure, and Dig. With Evasion now maxed, I order a Psychic attack while Giovanni attempts an Earthquake move in vain. Psychic hits and badly damages his Dugtrio. I finish it off the next round with a Psybeam attack.

Up next....

Persian level 53

Persian opens with a Screech attack that drops my Defense stat by 2. I open with Sleep Powder and put the cat to sleep wherein I hit it with Psychic and drop it to about 40%. As it continued to slumber I knock it out with a Critical Hit Psybeam. Easier than I thought it would be... Sleep OP, plz nerf :D

Up next...

Nidoqueen level 53

Ah my favorite Poison Type. This was sadly no contest.... Giovanni opens with Thunder that predictably misses and I open with Psychic. OHKO.

Up next...

Nidoking level 55

I dodge yet another Thunder Attack to unleash another Psychic. Another OHKO... woot!

Giovanni's Ace...

Rhydon level 55

Giovanni opens with Rock Slide(since its Super Effective if it hits) and I dodge it to unleash another Psychic. Although not Super Effective, its enough to whittle down Rhydon to roughly half HP. He tries again with Rock Slide and I finish it off with a Critical Hit Psychic. Earth Badge is now mine!! After healing, I go to Route 22 and dispose of my rival and make the long arduous trek through Victory Road. Finally I make it to Indigo Plateau and the Elite Four. Before facing them, I opted to grind to level 60 on Cycling Road. Why 60? It's comfortably high enough to where I could breeze through without too much trouble but not so overly high level that I'm stronger than Blue's Pokemon. Also rather than going to the lengths of describing the Elite Four and Champion matches like the last challenge, I'll simply give the cliff notes version:

Lorelei: Newton shredded her Water Types while her Jynx was a pain. I managed to put it to sleep before knocking it out and finishing off her Lapras in the same manner as her other Water Types.
Bruno: MarcoPolo used Dig on his first Onix and OHKO'd it. I then used Sand Attack x 6 on Hitmonlee before swapping to Stooges. I raised Stooges Evasion and had to use Swift to knock out his Hitmonlee due to the use of Double Team. Hitmonchan fell in one blow from Drill Peck and I had to grind like crazy on his 2nd Onix(but it eventually fell). His Machamp fell to a Fly OHKO.
Agatha: Aelita was the MVP of this bout. I opened with Double Team to raise her Evasion while Agatha opened with Substitute and then tried to Confuse me with Confuse Ray but failed at least twice. Also tried landing Lick and Mega Drain attacks but thanks to Double Team, nothing landed. I then used Psybeam to break the Substitute before finishing it off with Psychic. The next four Pokemon battles went like so: Agatha used a move and missed. I used Psychic and Agatha's Pokemon faints.
Lance: Since I lacked an Electric Type like Pikachu, I lacked a Pokemon with a clear advantage over Gyrados' Water/Flying Typing. MarcoPolo and Serena would be suicide while Newton, Stooges and Aelita had already battled. That left Magellan as the go-to option and I simply grinded down Gyrados with one Ice Beam after another and managed to tank a Leer and Dragon Rage attack. His two Dragonairs fell to Ice Beam OHKO's while his speed demon Aerodactyl managed to land a strong Hyper Beam before being knocked out by Surf. Against his Dragonite, I was fortunate to get a Critical Hit Ice Beam to OHKO it.
Blue: I used Full Restores on everyone prior to the fight to ensure I was ready to go. I opened with Magellan seeing as Sandslash was his first Pokemon and I OHKO it with Surf. After surviving a Psybeam, I hit with a strong Body Slam that doesn't knock it out but paralyzes it. I then follow it up with a Strength attack that KO's it. Against Exeggutor, Ice Beam for the win! Ninetales falls to a Surf before I Body Slam Cloyster into Paralysis. I will attest that Cloyster is a Physical Tank but being that I'm extremely resistant to his Water/Ice moves, Cloyster eventually falls. His Jolteon... dear god I hate facing Electric Types(much less Jolteon). Fortunately, I love having Ground Types so MarcoPolo swaps in and OHKO's it with a Dig Attack.

MVP of this Yellow run has to go to Magellan in my book. Sweeps Lance and Blue virtually solo ;D Honorable mention to Aelita though by taking down Agatha and getting me through the early parts of the game. I never used Serena in my Elite Four run and I never evolved her either :D

Vulpix rules!